Smith, John: A catalogue raisonné of the works of the most eminent Dutch, Flemish, and French painters: in which is included a short biographical notice of the artists, with a copious description of their principal pictures : a statement of the prices at which such pictures have been sold at public sales on the continent and in England; a reference the the galleries and private collections in which a large portion are at present; and the names of the artists by whom they have been engraved; to which is added, a brief notice of the scholars & imitators of the great masters of the above schools (Part 4) (London: Smith and Son, 1833)

ADRIAN VANDER WERF.

Adrian Vander Were was born at Kralinguer
Ambacht, near Rotterdam, in 1659; and, like most
other artists of merit, gave very early proofs of his
predilection for a pursuit in which he subsequently
attained so much distinction. Instead of attending to
the ordinary studies, and seeking the amusements of
the school-boy, he devoted his time to sketching and
drawing, thereby subjecting himself continually to the
chastisement of his master, and ultimately to the
severe displeasure of his parents, who were strongly
opposed to a profession which held out so little pros-
pect of wealth. This perseverance, however, finally
triumphed over all objections, and he was placed under
the tuition of Eglon Vander Neer, with whom he
rapidly advanced himself in the art, and acquired
that taste for elaborate finishing which he never after
quitted. An instance is related of his ready tact at
imitation, evinced soon after he had commenced his
studies, in a copy he made after Francis Mieris, which
was done with such accuracy as to deceive several
connoisseurs.
It was not, however, from Eglon Vander Neer that